Edward Caspino, a Waianae resident, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on charges of methamphetamine distribution and operating an illegal gambling business. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright handed down the 168-month sentence, which includes five years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson said the court also ordered Caspino to forfeit over $600,000 in cash and a 10-acre property in Waianae that hosted the illegal activities. The property was used for chicken fights that were deemed illegal under Hawaiian law. Caspino's criminal activities extended from February 2021 through March 2023, during which he distributed three pounds of methamphetamine.
Caspino was the first among six conspirators to be sentenced. His co-defendants, William Caspino, Lavern Joseph, Kerilyn Caspino, and Fausto Aragon, Jr., pleaded guilty to related charges, while Howard Unebasami was convicted by a jury in March 2025.
“Today’s lengthy sentence demonstrates that federal authorities will work together to put behind bars those responsible for illegal gambling operations and the community violence and drug trafficking tied to them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. He warned that running illegal gambling businesses in Hawaii risks severe consequences under federal law.
Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis highlighted the Drug Enforcement Administration's focus on combating drug distribution in Hawaii. “The methamphetamine epidemic continues to threaten the health, safety and well-being of our communities. We are determined to intercept drug suppliers and to disrupt their criminal activities," he said.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas reiterated the commitment to combat illegal activities. “Today’s sentencing of Mr. Caspino and the guilty pleas of the co-defendants is a testament to HSI’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal narcotics and gambling operations that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities,” she stated.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's David Porter emphasized the agency's dedication to dismantling drug trafficking organizations. “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that we will use every available resource to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle these organizations,” he commented.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation, with collaboration from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese led the prosecution.
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